How To Be A Mumpreneur

Q – I’ve recently had a baby and need to go back to work. My old job means a lengthy commute with long hours but I can’t afford to stay at home. What are my options?

A – Having a baby doesn't have to be the end of your working life. It can give you a chance to kick start a whole new career and enjoy a more flexible work life balance.

Rising costs mean more Mums are returning to work, according to research from insurer Scottish Widows. But don’t feel you’ve got to rush back to your desk; increasing maternity leave now means you can now take up to a year out. In fact the number of new mums returning to work within three months of their baby’s birth has fallen by nearly two thirds over the last ten years, according to a recent Philips AVENT survey. Over that same period the amount of women taking a year off more than doubled so make the most of time out to consider what you really want from a job.

Flexible Working
Employers must be prepared to consider flexible work arrangements for parents with young or disabled children under current Government legislation. While they don’t have to agree to any proposals you put forward, if you can show your work won’t suffer, they’re unlikely to refuse. Worth asking about job share opportunities within the company or ask about going part time.

Explore other opportunities; lots of Mums have found new careers with companies like The Body Shop, AVON or Usborne Books organizing events and parties to sell products. You can earn good money doing this but you’ve got to be self motivated and have a large social network of friends and family to help you get started.

Child Friendly Employers
There’s lots of websites like www.jobs4mothers.com and www.workingmums.co.uk where parents can register to match both their skills and availability with potential employers. If you’ve been out of work for a few years; don’t feel you’ve lost your skills. One big name company compiled a ‘Mums’ CV’ to highlight just how valuable parental skills like time management and negotiation are back in the work place. And network! Use your contacts; call people who’ve met through work; tell them what kind of work you’re looking for – you never known when opportunities can arise!

Start Your Own Business
Got a great idea? Or a skill you can use on a freelance basis say web design, beauty therapy or accountancy? Do some research on the internet. Is anyone already doing this in your area? If so how can you better their service? Start small; often a spare bedroom or kitchen is ideal to save on costs. Make the most of free advice from your local Business Link www.businesslink.gov.uk

Publicity is essential but don’t spend lots of money. Ring your local radio station or newspaper; they may run an interview with you to generate free publicity. For low cost business cards check out one of the websites offering introductory deals where you can usually order around two hundred cards for just a few pounds postage.

Money Stuff
Working for yourself means keeping tabs on what you’re earning and spending.

• Tax – earn over £6,475 a year and you’ll be liable for tax. It’s down to you to settle your tax bill, (unless you want to pay an accountant), so you’ll need to fill in a self assessment form every year. Ask your local tax office for details or go to www.hmrc.gov.uk
• Keep receipts – for everything you spend. You may be able to claim back some expenses so get organized from day one.
• Insurance – tell your insurer if you’re working from home as you may need extra cover for computer equipment. And if you’re using your car for work purposes make sure your motor policy covers this and you’re not on the ‘social, domestic or pleasure’ cover.
• Public liability insurance – if you’re providing a service in clients’ homes like hairdressing you’ll need cover in case of damage. Contact your local council about this.

Training
There’s lots of courses available – try www.hotcourses.com to find those in your area or ask at your local college. Depending on your circumstances and household income you may be eligible for grants to cover the cost of childcare, transport and equipment. Go to www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk for details.

Childcare Options
Make sure you’ve applied for Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, (if you’re eligible). Call the tax credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 for details. Some employers run a childcare voucher scheme worth up to £55 a week which you can put towards the cost of child minders, after school clubs or nurseries. Although you have to contribute some of your salary you get back a chunk of your tax so some free money too!